Courts & Legal

FBI CJIS Advisory Policy Board Meeting, June 3-4, 2026

The FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Advisory Policy Board (APB) will hold an open session meeting on June 3-4, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana, with a blended participation option allowing in-person attendance and telephone bridge access. The public may file written statements with the Designated Federal Officer (DFO) and register via email to participate or provide comments prior to the meeting.

DHS Interim Final Rule: Asylum Fee Penalties and H.R. 1 Requirements

DHS announced an interim final rule effective May 29, 2026, implementing an Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) for aliens with pending Form I-589 asylum applications under the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Act of 2025. If the AAF is not paid within 30 days of notification, USCIS will reject the pending asylum application and deny any related Form I-765 work authorization applications. Aliens without legal status will also face removal proceedings. The rule also limits TPS employment authorization to one year or the remaining TPS designation period, whichever is shorter, and establishes a minimum $24 fee for Form I-102 filings.

AG Jennings Coalition Blocks Machine Gun Conversion Devices

Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings and a coalition of 17 state attorneys general co-led by Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland formalized an agreement on April 28, 2026 to prevent the Trump Administration from distributing thousands of forced reset triggers (FRTs), a type of machine gun conversion device, into plaintiff states where they are illegal. The coalition filed its initial complaint on June 9, 2025, followed by a motion for preliminary injunction on June 10 and an amended complaint on July 7, 2025. Federal defendants and Rare Breed Triggers, LLC provided sworn statements committing not to return FRTs to plaintiff states. The lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed without prejudice, with the coalition reserving the right to refile if defendants attempt to return or distribute FRTs into plaintiff states.

Bio-Lab Inc v United States - Court of International Trade Ruling

Bio-Lab, Inc. brought an action against the United States before the United States Court of International Trade. The case, bearing docket number Consol. 24-00024, was decided by Judge Timothy M. Reif on April 27, 2026, under citation 2026 CIT 43. The nature of suit was designated as 1581(c), indicating a customs-related matter within the court's exclusive jurisdiction over civil actions involving customs and international trade laws. This court has jurisdiction over civil actions arising from the administration and enforcement of laws related to tariffs, trade remedies, and customs classification.

Scottish Charities Must Maintain Trustee Details Online via OSCR

OSCR has introduced new requirements for charity trustee information that take effect from 9 March 2026. Scottish charities must now keep trustee details accurate and up to date in OSCR Online, including updating records promptly when trustees are appointed or leave. The regulator recommends that each charity maintains at least two OSCR Online users (up to three allowed) to ensure continuity and compliance with record-keeping obligations. Charities must also keep principal contact details accurate to avoid missing important regulatory communications.

AG Blanche, FBI Director Patel Announce Federal Charges Against WHCD Dinner Gunman

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Kash Patel, and U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced federal charges against the suspected White House Correspondents' Dinner gunman on April 27, 2026. The announcement followed the initial appearance in federal court of the suspect. Related press release indicates charges include attempt to assassinate the president.

Draft Human Rights Act 1998 Remedial Order 2026

The UK government published a draft Remedial Order on 28 April 2026 to amend section 9 of the Human Rights Act 1998, enabling courts to award damages in circumstances where previously only a declaration of incompatibility could be granted. The amendment implements the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in SW v UK (Application no. 87/18), which found a violation of Article 13 (right to an effective remedy) of the European Convention on Human Rights. The Joint Committee on Human Rights had previously examined the proposal and published its report on 27 October 2025. The updated Remedial Order reflects the government's response to that committee report.

EU Seeks Feedback on Android Interoperability Measures Under DMA

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on draft measures requiring Google to ensure that competing AI services have effective access to key capabilities of Android devices under the Digital Markets Act. The proposed measures would allow third-party AI providers to integrate with Android applications to perform tasks such as sending emails via a user's preferred app, ordering food, or sharing photos, and to be activated using custom wake words. The consultation is open until 13 May 2026, with preliminary findings available on the DMA consultation page.

Disciplinary Charges Against Polish Judge Piotr Schab

Disciplinary Representative of the Minister of Justice SSA Barbara Augustyniak has filed disciplinary charges against Judge Piotr Schab under Art. 107 § 1 item 5 of the Law on the System of Common Courts, based on his active participation in a program conference of the political party Konfederacja Korony Polskiej on January 31, 2026 in Łochów. The Disciplinary Representative alleges that this conduct constitutes a failure to uphold the dignity of judicial office, stating that his views and participation remain in glaring opposition to constitutional standards, legal provisions, and particularly high ethical norms.

Record 219,400 Participants at Poland Legal Education Day 2026

The Polish Ministry of Justice published a summary of Legal Education Day 2026 (Dzień Edukacji Prawnej), held on March 15, 2026, reporting a record 219,400 participants across three program streams: 78,779 students in 1,258 schools, 102,600 students in 2,612 schools via virtual lessons, and over 38,000 participants at 163 common courts nationwide. The event increased participation more than twofold from 95,400 participants in the previous year, with involvement from legal professional bodies including the Polish Bar Association, National Chamber of Legal Counsel, and various judicial associations.

In Re Nielsen Estate - Specific vs General Devise Classification

The Michigan Court of Appeals reversed the Livingston Probate Court, holding that Neal Nielsen's categorical bequest of personal property to his former spouse Paula using 'my' language constituted a specific devise under EPIC, not a general devise. The court clarified that MCL 700.2405(1) bars children from selecting specifically devised property to satisfy their exempt-property allowance when the estate is otherwise sufficient. The appeals court also upheld that a life insurance policy insuring Paula's life and a Ford F-150 titled to Ajax Leasing, LLC were assets of Neal's trust, not the estate.

Third Circuit Rules on Whittaker Clark & Daniels Bankruptcy Appeal

The Third Circuit granted the petition for panel rehearing filed by the Official Committee of Talc Claimants in the Whittaker Clark & Daniels Inc. bankruptcy proceedings. The amended majority opinion was revised throughout in response to arguments set out in the Committee's petition, though the revisions do not affect the disposition of the appeal and the original judgments remain as filed. The petition for rehearing en banc was denied by all available circuit judges.

Talc Claimants Appeal, Third Circuit, 2026

Talc Claimants Appeal, Third Circuit, 2026

Amsterdam District Court to Refer Rent Price Surcharge Clause to CJEU

The cantonal judge of the Amsterdam District Court has decided to refer preliminary questions to the Court of Justice of the European Union regarding a rent price adjustment clause that combines inflation plus a surcharge. Nineteen tenants claim the surcharge is unfair and seek repayment of excess rent paid. The CJEU will be asked whether this type of combined adjustment clause constitutes an unfair contract term under EU law. Parties may still respond to the formulated questions before they are submitted to the CJEU.

Monsanto Co. v. Durnell, Argued 27th Apr

The Supreme Court of the United States held oral argument in Monsanto Co. v. Durnell (Docket 24-1068) on April 27, 2026. The oral argument was recorded and made available for download as an MP3 audio file. A transcript (PDF) was also made available. No judgment, decision, or order was issued as part of this proceeding.

UK Government Appeals High Court Ruling That Palestine Action Ban Was Unlawful

The UK government, represented by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, is appealing a February 2026 high court ruling that declared the ban on Palestine Action unlawful. The Court of Appeal hearing began on 28 April 2026. The high court found the proscription breached both freedom of speech and assembly rights and violated the home secretary's own proscription policy criteria. The ban remains in force pending the appeal outcome, with over 3,000 arrested and more than 500 charged under section 12 of the Terrorism Act for supporting the group, carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years.

ECHR Rules Bulgaria Violated Article 8 Privacy Rights

ECHR Rules Bulgaria Violated Article 8 Privacy Rights

DEA Withdraws Marijuana Rescheduling Hearing Notice

The Drug Enforcement Administration has withdrawn the notice of hearing for the proposed rule to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. All pending hearing proceedings related to Docket No. DEA-1362 are terminated as of April 28, 2026. DEA states that it is publishing a new notice of hearing elsewhere in the same Federal Register issue to restart proceedings in accordance with Executive Order 14370.

DEA Schedules Public Hearing on Marijuana Rescheduling to Schedule III

The Drug Enforcement Administration published a notice scheduling a public hearing on the proposed rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. The hearing will commence June 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET at the DEA Hearing Facility in Arlington, Virginia, and is scheduled to conclude by July 15, 2026. Interested persons must file written notice of intention to participate by May 28, 2026, with electronic submissions due by May 24, 2026, and mail submissions postmarked by May 20, 2026.

DEA Reschedules FDA-Approved Marijuana to Schedule III

The DEA has issued a final rule rescheduling FDA-approved marijuana products and state-licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, effective April 28, 2026. The rule establishes an expedited DEA registration pathway for state-licensed medical marijuana entities, allowing them to engage in manufacture, distribution, and dispensing of marijuana for medical purposes under federal law. Unlicensed bulk marijuana, marijuana extract, and synthetic THC remain Schedule I controlled substances, and all Schedule III marijuana products remain subject to import/export permit requirements under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

Rapporteurs Issue Open Letter on Türkiye Local Democracy

Rapporteurs from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, the European Parliament, and the European Committee of the Regions issued an open letter dated 27 April 2026 to Türkiye's Minister of the Interior expressing shared concerns about local democracy in Türkiye. The letter specifically raises concerns about the pre-trial detention of Ekrem İmamoğlu, Mayor of Istanbul, which entered its second year on 23 March 2026, as well as prolonged pre-trial detention of other opposition-affiliated local elected representatives. The rapporteurs referenced a Venice Commission report from October 2025 and reiterated their readiness to continue dialogue on democratic commitments.

Lindsey Oil Refinery Sold to Phillips 66 Limited

The Official Receiver has completed the sale of Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery Limited and associated companies to Phillips 66 Limited. The sale agreement was reached on 5 January 2026, following the winding up of the companies in June and November 2025. Of the remaining employees at the sites, 109 have been retained by Phillips 66 Limited, and 55 will be made redundant. The sale was secured by the Official Receiver working with the Insolvency Service and special managers from FTI Consulting LLP.

AG Clark Announces $22M Vermont Tobacco Settlement and Vape Market Scrutiny

Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark announced receipt of $22,103,714.56 from tobacco manufacturers under the Master Settlement Agreement, bringing Vermont's total MSA receipts since 1998 to over $840 million. The AG also announced support for Vermont bill S.198, which would ban vaping products designed to resemble toys, school supplies, or gaming devices, and update state law to address nicotine pouches and tobacco substitutes. As co-chair of NAAG's Tobacco Committee, Clark leads a bipartisan national group of attorneys general on tobacco and vaping enforcement matters.

United Service Automobile v. Wenzell

United Service Automobile v. Wenzell is a Colorado Supreme Court case (No. 24SC372) decided by the state's highest court. The court issued an opinion in this insurance dispute matter, representing binding precedent for Colorado courts on the issues presented. The full opinion is available in the linked PDF document.

No Constitutional Right to Be Free From Tear Gas Exposure

The Ninth Circuit granted the federal government's motion to stay a district court preliminary injunction that had prohibited law enforcement from deploying tear gas and other chemical crowd-control devices in quantities likely to reach the neighboring Gray's Landing apartment complex in Portland, Oregon. The court held that neighboring residents have no substantive due-process constitutional right to be free from incidental exposure to tear-gas chemicals deployed by federal officers for crowd control, finding such a right is not deeply rooted in the nation's history and tradition. The district court proceedings are also stayed pending appeal, with the majority finding plaintiffs' claim meritless and discovery unnecessary.

Second Circuit Decisions Index and Court Resources Navigation

The US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit maintains this decisions index and resources navigation page at its official website. The page provides links to court decisions (opinions and summary orders), calendars, case filing procedures, docket searches, the clerk's office directory, judicial conduct information, mediation services (CAMP), CM/ECF filing resources, and multimedia resources. No substantive legal content or regulatory changes are contained in this navigation page.

Robb v. State of Florida, 1D2025-0542, Affirmed

The First District Court of Appeal of Florida affirmed the Circuit Court for Alachua County in case number 1D2025-0542, with Blake Robb appearing pro se as Appellant and the State of Florida as Appellee. The per curiam opinion dated April 27, 2026 affirmed the lower court judgment without written explanation of the substantive issues on appeal. The disposition is final once any timely motion under Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure 9.330 or 9.331 is disposed.

Committee Directive on Increased Food Production Northern Sweden

The Swedish government has appointed a special investigator to analyse conditions for and propose measures to strengthen profitability, competitiveness, and resilience in food production in northern Sweden. The investigation will assess primary production and food industry development relative to other regions and identify factors enabling increased food production. The investigator must submit findings by 30 June 2027.

Supreme Court Reverses Texas v. LULAC

The Supreme Court issued a summary reversal in Abbott v. League of United Latin American Citizens, reversing the District Court's judgment for the reasons set forth in the companion case. Justice Sotomayor, Justice Kagan, and Justice Jackson dissented from the Court's summary reversal. The Court's order resolves the appeal brought by Governor Abbott and the State of Texas regarding the underlying litigation.

Mayfield v. Evans et al - Magistrate Judge Opinion

Magistrate Judge Sherry R. Fallon issued an opinion in Mayfield v. Evans et al, Case 26-028. The opinion was filed on April 27, 2026. The full opinion is available via the PDF linked on the court's website at ded.uscourts.gov.

In re Humana Inc. Securities Litigation, Case 24-655

The District Court of Delaware issued a ruling in the securities litigation captioned In re Humana Inc. Securities Litigation, Case 24-655, presided over by District Judge Jennifer L. Hall. The opinion was filed on April 27, 2026. Legal and compliance professionals should review the full ruling for its implications on securities class action procedures and any precedent-setting findings applicable to similarly situated public companies.

Breaux v. BP Exploration & Production - Fifth Circuit Affirms Summary Judgment

The Fifth Circuit affirmed summary judgment in favor of BP Exploration & Production and BP America Production Company in a Deepwater Horizon clean-up worker case. Caleb Breaux, who assisted in the Deepwater Horizon cleanup and later developed lymphoma, failed to provide expert reports by the December 22, 2022 deadline despite a nearly two-year extension. The district court denied Breaux's request for a stay and granted BP's motion for summary judgment. The Fifth Circuit upheld this decision, finding the district court acted within its authority to manage its docket and did not err in enforcing the scheduling order.